Launched in 2020-21 by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme (ISDS) aims to promote income generation by establishing sheep and goat units. The scheme is implemented by the Sheep Husbandry Department and monitored by the concerned Director. It supports both participatory and subsidy-based approaches to set up in-house sheep/goat units and shearing units, thereby fostering sustainable livestock development and generating employment.
Key Activities
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Participatory Mode:
Beneficiaries receive 10 ewes/does free of cost to establish a unit. From the 3rd year onward, an additional 2 ewes/does are retrieved from the female progeny on a cyclic basis over five years. -
Subsidy Mode:
Financial assistance is provided at 50% of the unit cost for establishing sheep/goat units. For a unit (of 25 animals), the subsidy is capped at ₹1,00,000 per unit with an overall maximum ceiling of ₹8,00,000 for up to 8 units. -
Shearing Units:
A 50% subsidy is available for purchasing shearing equipment (including a shearing machine, genset, and accessories), with a maximum limit of ₹75,000 per unit.
Additional Objectives
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Genetic Upgradation:
Introduction of 200 elite crossbred imported merino sheep for genetic improvement. This aims to increase the average carcass yield from 18 kg to 21 kg and fine wool production from 2 kg to 2.5 kg per sheep. -
Employment Generation:
The scheme targets the establishment of approximately 1200 sheep/goat units, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 2400 people. -
Self-Sustaining Model:
New units are continuously established using livestock retrieved from previous beneficiaries, ensuring a sustainable cycle of development.
Eligibility
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For Participatory Mode & Subsidy Mode:
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Open to any individual, group of individuals, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperative Societies, or Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) interested in setting up a sheep/goat unit.
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For Shearing Units:
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Eligible beneficiaries include individuals who are trained in or intend to undergo training in Modern Sheep Shearing (MSS).
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Additional Considerations:
The scheme gives preference to 20% of the awards for SC/ST beneficiaries and 10% for women.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
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Submission:
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Interested beneficiaries must complete the prescribed application forms (e.g., Annexure B for participatory mode, Annexure F for subsidy mode, and Annexure G for shearing units).
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The filled-in application, along with self-attested copies of required documents, must be submitted to the District Sheep Husbandry Officer (DSHO).
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Verification:
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Applications are verified at the Village level by the VRO and then forwarded to higher authorities (Assistant Project Director DWMA/MPDO) for further processing.
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Tendering and Implementation:
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For activities like establishment of units, a tendering process is conducted, and feasibility is assessed through integrated surveys. The final approval and financial sanction are provided after these assessments.
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Documents Required
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Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID)
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Proof of address
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Income proof (if required)
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Land ownership/lease documents (land records, possession certificate)
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Photographs of the livestock shed (attested by a PRI member)
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Relevant category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/BPL/AAY/EWS) if applicable
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Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
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Training completion certificate (for shearing units)
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Completed application form (Annexure B, C, D, etc. as applicable)
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Detailed project report, engineering layout, survey plan, and other annexures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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When was the ISDS launched?
The scheme was launched in the 2020-21 fiscal year. -
Which department manages the scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Sheep Husbandry Department of Jammu and Kashmir. -
What activities are covered?
The scheme covers:-
Establishment of sheep/goat units under participatory mode (with 10 ewes provided free initially and 2 additional ewes retrieved from the 3rd year onward).
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Establishment of sheep/goat units under subsidy mode (50% subsidy on unit cost).
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Establishment of shearing units with a 50% subsidy.
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Who is eligible to apply?
Any individual, group, SHG, Cooperative Society, or FPO interested in establishing a sheep/goat unit. For shearing units, beneficiaries must be trained in MSS or intend to undergo training. -
What is the validity of the scheme guidelines?
The guidelines are in force until March 31, 2023, or until replaced by new guidelines. -
What are the financial benefits under each mode?
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Participatory Mode: Total cost for 25 ewes is approximately ₹2,05,000, with free supply and phased retrieval.
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Subsidy Mode: 50% subsidy on the unit cost with a ceiling of ₹1,00,000 per unit.
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Shearing Units: 50% subsidy on the unit cost, capped at ₹75,000 per unit.
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How are SC/ST and women beneficiaries accommodated?
The scheme ensures 20% of the awards for SC/ST and 10% for women. -
Where should the application be submitted?
Applications must be submitted to the District Sheep Husbandry Officer (DSHO) along with all required documents. -
What are the requirements regarding land and infrastructure?
Beneficiaries must have access to basic infrastructure and grazing avenues to maintain the unit.